Associazione Guide Esploratori Cattolici Sammarinesi (AGECS) is now a WOSM member!

The Republic of San Marino is an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy, and situated on the Italian Peninsula on the northeastern side of the Apennine Mountains. Established in 301 CE, San Marino claims to be the oldest extant sovereign state as well as the oldest constitutional republic in the world. It comprises 61 square kilometres and has a population of 33,562.

Scouting has been present in the territory of San Marino since the early days of Scouting, but was officially created in 1990 when AGECS was accepted as an Accredited NSO at the World Scout Conference in Paris. Prior to this there were close links with AGESCI in Italy, and those links remain strong.

Scouting is offered to young people aged eight to 11 years, called Lupetti (male) and Coccinelle (female); to young people aged 11 to 16 years, called Esploratori (male) and Guide (female); and Rover (male) and Scolta (female) for those 16 to 21 years. All three sections are present in all three groups.

There are three Scout Groups totalling 240 young people and 40 adults operating in three of the castles, or districts, of the local administration. Leader training is provided by their own Leader Trainers who work in conjunction with the adjacent AGESCI district to give depth of experience.

Its programme is developed in projects to take a holistic approach to programme development and based on an educational plan designed by the community of leaders for normally three years with constant revisions. Social issues are dealt with on a regular basis – the issue of drugs, and preparation for a local referendum being two topics seen during the visits made. Community service is provided through regular support for outreach programmes – drugs rehabilitation, inter-generational schemes assisting older members of the community, and public and civic service during events.

AGECS members have been regular participants to all World Scout Jamborees since achieving their Accredited NSO status. They are part of the Small Nations group in the European Region, participating in the Small Nations Jamborees.